Pocket Notebooks Can Save Your Mind

[@ParkerNotes]

If you like this video, you'll love my substack! Check it out: parknotes.substack.com

[@jackym4891]

People always make fun of me when as a Software product manager, whose job it is to make software more accessibly and easier to use, I always have a notebook and fountain pen on hand to make notes. Analog just works so much better.

[@ParkerNotes]

See that's the best! I've been doing a lot of work on technology philosophy butnI present out of my notebooks lol. So glad there are others like me

[@jackym4891]

Technololgy is a beast. I presented on the impact of email to my team last week and I think I shocked them when I was able to show them that by checking email 15 times a day on average, and it takes 20 minutes for the mind to be able to concentrate on your task again you are basically wasting 300 minutes of effective work (think) time per day. I think they understand why I only check my emails 3 times a day and only if I am in the to box... Technology is great if it works for us, but we have not yet reached that point and I believe a lot is disruptive instead. @@ParkerNotes

[@musicmaestro88]

Likewise (Cyber Sec Eng here). Zequenz pocket softcover always in a pocket and some sort of semi-decent ballpoint. I'm intentionally steering clear of fountains bc I will find a way to turn fountain pens into a $50,000 obsession. LOL

[@ParkerNotes]

@@musicmaestro88 I am here right now. Starting looking at gold nibs and stuff. So dangerous

[@musicmaestro88]

@@ParkerNotes pahahaha. Run away. 🏃🏾

[@Pinkytone]

Writing in a physical notebook is an amazing feeling. It really feels like a pause in time, a break from everything, when I write in one

[@poetsgarden1]

I like that... "feels like a pause in time" nice

[@menardquinto9516]

💯

[@oyvindhaave]

May I suggest that you try out 1. reserve the first two "double pages" (page 2-3, and 3-4) for a table of contents? Mostly the important things you want to refer to 2. Give each page a page number (re step 1) 3. If you come back to an idea/project some pages later, say after a couple of pages with the grocery list and meeting notes, then refer back to the starting page number ( p 34) on the starting page for the continued note. Even a previous notebook; e.g. "bk 2, 2021, p.56"? 3. Give the page a title for easy reference in the toc 4. In the toc, just add page numbers to the topic when the topic continues "House renovation: p. 3, 12-14, 34, 45-48" You will find anything very easy, via the toc and you don't need to reserve and guess the number of pages you need for a topic. The toc helps you to just continue with the next note, filling your book page by page. Thank you for keeping the analog tools alive in a digital world 😊

[@ParkerNotes]

Thanks for all this detail!!

[@fishlestat]

Holy Shananigans! Amazing! 😮

[@brotherearth]

Good system! I've always done similar but via an 'index' at the back. Same idea though, I just note topics and the relevant pages as I write on said topics. It really does work wonders at finding information quickly without having to do any pre-planning on notebook space (which ultimately gets messed up anyway, haha).

[@ARUNverma-r3p]

thanks to give your time to arite such a beauitifull coment . i will be realy helpfull

[@itcanwait]

Thank you for the advice. Something I've always struggled with, I can try this system now!

[@bardiamozaffari8602]

As a person who sometimes forgets the simplest of things & has been struggling with memory loss which im very mocked & humiliated for , I see this idea very clever & helpful

[@jameersalz]

I have those problems as well and it's hard getting used to it because I would just forget about writing something down for example but the more I used it, the better it worked. Now it really helps me and I'm much better at coping with everything really. Sometimes though it still feels weird because the more I used it the more I got the feeling that I'd be lost without it (which is not necessarily a nice feeling). It gives me more space and peace in my head though, which outweighs every bad thought about it.

[@tylerpentecost9669]

I am a computer programmer who is pretty much always glued to a device in some way. I've noticed my best ideas, even ideas about computer systems, tend to come to me when I'm unplugged. I fully support organizing your thoughts in a fully analog way.

[@tigerboy4705]

The best Ideas come when you wake up at 2:34 in the night, solved the problem you worked on for 3 weeks in 5 seconds and then fall asleep again

[@romanbouchouiev]

Same here.

[@romanbouchouiev]

​@@tigerboy4705, true :)

[@oliviaraney4307]

I like to imagine a mueseum curator from 2223 watching this video in an old archival macbook in the basement of the library with your notebooks to one side and hearing you say "they don't need to be able to decipher this in the future" and them giving a small shriek of agony as they realize they're never going to figure out what you were writing in these notebooks

[@ParkerNotes]

😆 they're trying to get insights into the last analog knuckle-dragger but his handwriting is trash

[@DeniseSkidmore]

Someone will just have to specialize and make it their life work to decode my handwriting if I become famous enough to be worth decoding. (You never know, a lot of the Babylonian surviving texts appear to be homework or letters home from school.)

[@SethGames]

I’ve been keeping Moleskines for about 20+ years now. How much I record in them has varied a lot over time. What gets written down, how, etc. have all evolved. It started in the pre-smartphone era as a way to capture funny things friends said. Now it’s mostly a diary/therapist that doesn’t get shared. I rarely go back to them, but I don’t plan to stop.

[@ParkerNotes]

I love this. So cool that you've been at it for so long. Twice as long as me!

[@TheDanielscarroll]

Ya I walked a similar path to this and now carry a moleskine cahier with a tight fit leather cover in my back pocket and a tactile turn bolt action pen with a fine point space pen ink cartridge. I still use my phone for task notes and lists. The notebook is for my more creative thoughts. The pen is important to me as having a smooth flowing ink and nice feeling pen adds to the overall experience...a basic bic pen has a lot to offer in its own right as well.

[@makrushin]

I’ve tried Evernote, Google keep, notion, iPhone notes, trello, etc. - but since 2008 nothing has felt more reasonable, consistent and convenient than a simple notebook. Agreed.

[@ParkerNotes]

I'm right there with you. So good to be getting more data from others who have had the same experience as me. Thanks!

[@poetsgarden1]

agreed

[@nataliesiddle8507]

Same. I have an app to remind me to do stuff throughout the day but tapping the task for it to vanish forever isn’t as rewarding as scratching it off on paper

[@MichelleLyn84]

Seriously. Plus seeing a habit tracker or a to do list with all of the check marks or progress all in one place is so gratifying. You can draw better in a notebook if need be too. There’s no way I’d try drawing something I need to actually reference later on in my notes app on my phone. And I refuse to get an iPad lol

[@vinhbuiquang3906]

The thing with notebook is that, it give you more context on your emotion and idea via handwriting. So that when you reread it, it help recall the exact moment that you write it down. Which mean every journal, is a true capture of your emotion and your thought Every time i read my journal, it like living in that moment, just fantastic

[@assordante2205]

You couldn't just like, remember the memory?

[@vinhbuiquang3906]

@@assordante2205 can you remember the detail of every moment in your life ? No of course not. Especially in this fast pace world when information is constantly changing, at least writings make you slow down and think about the moment

[@CanIHasThisName]

@@assordante2205Memories are just interpretations, they're not recordings of your past life in your head and your brain makes changes all the time. Every time you remember an experience, your current self is re-interpreting the experience of your past self. But your current self has only memories of the past self, it doesn't know for sure. While remembering these experiences, there are things your current self changes, and there are even things your current self omits or makes up. Lots of information gets lost over time and you may, for example, remember you or someone else telling a story about something you've experienced, but you don't really have a solid memory of it happening anymore. If you live somewhere as a child for a period of time, leave, and then return to that place as an adult, everything will seem shrunken down. It's because your perception if size and distance has changed and so you remember things being larger than they actually were. It works the same way with everything else. Your mind constantly moves and you don't even realize, and there are changes (like mood or state of mind) that you don't really account for even in the short term. Writing things down and reading them later is like visiting the place where you used to live - it gives you a more accurate perspective.

[@kai4344]

@@assordante2205 our brain's job is to think not to remember that's why we write things down

[@C0BALTWARRI0R19]

I gotta say. I love that your first pocket notebook is the one that says "Here's where the fun begins"

[@ParkerNotes]

Haha yeah that is a pretty cool coincidence!

[@BethieDarlin]

Right?!? When he said Star Wars, I was like….ok, I think I’ve come to the right place!

[@jcsk8]

I´m 45. I´m using this since the 80´s. NOTHING beats paper and a good pen for your most important tasks. There´s no distractions, unwanted porpaganda or whataver. Old school is cool and works.

[@kenjeb]

I feel embarrassed to share that, I started keeping a black tiny notebook for journal thanks to video game character Soap MacTavish. He inspired me to write and draw the events happened from his viewpoint, sharing his thoughts to not forget himself and others.

[@masonhiggs8773]

don’t feel embarrassed soap is the best

[@HelmutSchmacker]

Weirdos

[@andrewmaddox2889]

Me but with Arthur Morgan

[@jeffreyhicks6380]

Arthur Morgan

[@jonex66]

same but with Arthur Morgan

[@0xQuez]

“thinking is not about efficiency.” that section from 7:38 - 7:58 is absolutely brilliant. it takes a lot of work to get clear with oneself. you follow that up with the challenge of then *being* clear with others. thinking deeply and truly facing ourselves is perhaps the hardest, yet the most worthwhile work we could ever be tasked with. and that is the task of our lifetime! fantastic video!

[@excessorizeme]

Stalogy makes some great notebooks too 👌🏻

[@ParkerNotes]

Just picked up my first one the other day because of a suggestion in these comments

[@zarirrahi9217]

AYOOO. You're here too?

[@glitchpoop9292]

​@@zarirrahi9217ikr based excessorizzme

[@onespeed16]

​@@zarirrahi9217i know right its crazy

[@joeymaceda_]

I’ve bought so many notebooks and consumed tons of journaling/note-taking/productivity type content over the years, but only started actually doing it after watching your videos. Thank you and keep up the good work, Parker!

[@ParkerNotes]

Wow!! This is a huge encouragement. I'm screenshotting this one for when I need motivation. Thank you!

[@buzzkillzine8536]

I've kept a personal journal for 15 years and in the last 12 months have been keeping a pocket to keep notes. I have a leather notebook cover with two feild notes pocket notebooks: one as a dot point, to-do list and one as a notebook for ideas or things I've read that I need to remember. It's been so useful.

[@Rue-in]

im not a great thinker so i haven't been able to fill a pocket notebook with deep thoughts but i used this idea to create a pocket book of mini collages for each of my goals this year with my favourite quotes and it's saving me so much! it's great for whenever i need a boost of motivation or inspiration and i can take it with me everywhere! i can't thank you enough for this!

[@carolinemyddelton580]

Thanks🙏 As well as all your great insights, I'm fascinated by the research which shows that writing down ideas/information/anything by hand ensures it's more memorable and better digested by the mind than happens when we simply type it.

[@ParkerNotes]

Wow thank you so much!!

[@ishaalimtiaz6715]

I love using these :) I scarcely remember anything important without these. When I was 8, I thought I'd never be capable of any type of anything because I was so disorganised and messy. But nowadays, I've impressed myself with how far I've come - I've gotten more organised than many people who've had organisation come naturally to them since childhood.

[@vvanished]

wdym when u were 8 how do you remember that..

[@eeeyea9304]

Look at her pfp shes probs 13​@@vvanished

[@ishaalimtiaz6715]

@@eeeyea9304 i made that pfp when I was 13, but you're incorrectly assuming that I made it recently. I am 18 now :). I just never was bothered to change the pfp because it was a hassle, haha It's funny how accurate you were tho

[@ishaalimtiaz6715]

@@vvanished I remember the bits about always getting yelled at and slapped every day for it, doesn't everyone remember the bad bits of their childhood well? The teachers at school hated me despite my best efforts to study during class ☆☆☆

[@sibylle5556]

I'm a museum curator among other things, so I'd mostly make sure that the whole pile of your notebooks would be collected and archived, not just an example out of hundreds. And then I would exhibit them as a monumental assemblage and discuss why we need materiality for information processing and knowledge-building. I'm myself moving between planners, journals and notebooks, but my "inbox" for thoughts is usually a Moleskine notebook. Digital apps are for teamwork and keeping track of milestones.

[@ParkerNotes]

Are you seriously? That's so cool haha!

[@sibylle5556]

Yes I am (somewhere in Europe)! And I think, I should write an exhibition proposal (addressing historical note-taking first :) @@ParkerNotes

[@BesannaRael]

I’m 30 seconds in and I had to pause and subscribe. I clicked because I LOVE notebooks, and then when you said you were a student of Philosophy and wanted to encourage people to think deeply, I did not wanna lose your channel in the KZbin ocean. I’m excited to listen to your thoughts and perspectives. 🥰

[@ParkerNotes]

🙌🙌 let's go! So glad to have you here

[@bipinnambiar]

Another use for a pocket notebook.

[@onidres]

Thank you for the "chew the idea", it's a simple way of elaborate a very deep concept. Ideas are not sparks to leave by themselves and I try to remember this every day

[@ParkerNotes]

Yes! 100% with you on this. Glad you like that language too.

[@gangstaelegantproductions2780]

"I've captured my ideas and then I can reflect on them whenever I want" that makes so much sense, I guess I was doing this instinctively with the notes in my phone, but a notebook seems so much more permanent and safe. I'll definitely start carrying one now

[@ParkerNotes]

🙌

[@GeekGamingOffic1al]

It's really not more permanent and safe though. Data can be backed up, a notebook gets burned in a house fire or part of any other number of possible damage then it's gone forever.

[@geo0711]

Glad I found this video. I used to carry sketchbooks around everywhere back when I was drawing and sketching. Eventually I started writing notes and random thoughts in them. I stopped doing that a few years ago, but now feels like a good time to go back to that as my mind seems to be very cluttered, overwhelmed, and anxious almost all the time.

[@thewalkingdad717]

As someone with ADHD, having a Rite in the Rain notebook with me at all times has proven to be ESSENTIAL for getting through my ever-evolving work day, can’t stress this enough!

[@srob6168]

I just commented something like it!! I have ADHD too!! I started using this before even knowing about the ADHD. I just knew that i had a problem and needed to make something about it. I had a neck bag where i put a little notebook, pencil and eraser, also i put tiny things like keys and cellphone so i don't lose'em. And i use this till today!!

[@drewmorrison]

I use Rite in the rain notebooks for the gym! Great way to log workouts and keep disconnected from my phone during workout times.

[@nikolasversteeg]

With how much brain dead content there is on KZbin, it is so satisfying to finally watch a video about deep, critical thinking, and an advocacy for pulling away from the digital world. Fantastic video, thank you!

[@ParkerNotes]

Thank you! Amazing compliment, I screenshotted it for a rainy day

[@marynvt7829]

100% agree

[@jasmim6612]

I’ve been seeing so many of these comments and it makes me wonder what type of videos everyone else is getting recommended.

[@jmursa959]

thank you for this vid. when i first moved into my apartment, i first cleaned and organized EVERYTHING, then i wrote a list and got lost in the possibilities. thats when i came up with somthing called an "Active Page". its kind of like your "Blocking Out" an idea. so super cool to see this.

[@bellenesatan]

​@@jasmim6612skill based matchmaking.

[@MarcosVinicius-zs7je]

I had come to this conclusion also some time ago, i bought some pocket notebooks with the idea of writing new languages that i am trying to learn, math to exercise my brain, and to write ideas same as you. Its been 6 months and have done none of that hahaha. But seeing your video for sure its gonna make me go and do it once and for all. Really good video friend.

[@morgansnade]

"It's ok to take your time with your thoughts" is the best way to describe the whole video. In such a fast paced society and lifestyle we tend to forget about sitting still for a couple of moments. Thanks man, this was eye opening. (The first video i watch from your channel)

[@KironKabir]

I've been keeping a diary planner since 2003 and haven't stopped since. It's sort of become a yearly tradition. Back in 2012 when I started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I would take notes on pertinent details of techniques especially variations to submissions, transitions ,etc and the act of writing down such ideas in my own words made the technique become more 'fluent' and recall was wayyyy easier. And those who know, are aware that BrazilianJiuJitsu techniques go to infinity

[@RifqiFakhriSantoso]

As i saw the thumbnail of this video, i just grabbed my notebook. I realized that i've never finish that notebook since 2019. I directly wrote again on that notebook and commited to write every single day and bring it again anywhere. It's amazing to check out some ideas from old me back then. Thank you for the video!

[@tylohr3681]

Couldn't agree more! I carry a FieldNotes graphed notebook pretty much daily. I keep it stashed in a simple leather cover that I won at a Story Slam event about four years ago. Fits in the back pocket perfectly and takes up virtually zero space. So much better for my brain than trying to use my phone!

[@ParkerNotes]

I love this! Field Notes are a great option!

[@bmxt939]

Thanks to you and couple of other youtubers I'm now exploring the meditative joy of writing down stuff. It totally becomes the part of my thinking and my life in general and I'm loving it. Cheers!

[@jessicalingo4346]

As someone who has dissociative identity disorder (did for short. Aka multiple personality disorder) keeping a journal is something that is highly common. It helps keep the thoughts of all headmates consistent and helps with giving a headmate a safe space. I have tried journaling knowing it could help my DID but it was never something i could really invest my time in. I love writing but it just got to confusing for me. Also having to cary around a big notebook was tricky. This small catch all idea is very smart! Thank you. I may actually try this out.

[@bedazzledbuddhist]

Thank you for this video (and content in general). I am a cancer researcher and constantly thinking. No matter what digital platform I have tried I always come back to a catch all notepad to document everything, then I save them to review what I have accomplished and what ideas keep coming up in my work. Some ideas I will take a picture of to keep a digital version, or I will remove that page and paste into the next notebook. The one analog/digital hybrid I have enjoyed are Rocketbooks. The combine writing, digitization and reusable packaging.

[@ParkerNotes]

Haha I totally take pictures of my pages too. That's so funny. I'll check out that hybrid. Thanks! And thanks for the research you do!

[@ManiacalSurgeon]

Man it’s so crazy. I have always loved the idea of keeping a journal but I have never been able to! I recently stumbled onto the idea of the commonplace notebook and fell in love with it! I love to acquire knowledge but before never found the gumption to note it down and I simply think it’s because I had the understanding of the idea of a ‘journal’ and it was an instant turn off. Now, because I have sort of ‘rebranded’ the idea in my mind I have been able to keep a pocket notebook on me and have used it every single day and it’s been about two months! I absolutely love the aesthetic of the pocket notebooks and my absolute favorite are those smaller Leuchtturm pocket notebooks you presented with the two bookmarks. I use it to record all kinds of things. It’s sort of my working thoughts and I record (will record) them into a larger Leuchtturm notebook. I keep prayer requests also and it’s been a really good method to keep myself ruminating on that as well as other thoughts. I’m even teaching myself Russian. This is such a cool system and it’s literally a way for me to escape reality and just be with my thoughts. The aesthetic is a win too because it keeps me coming back to it.

[@ParkerNotes]

I love this! Good work rebranding!

[@rockhaven4435]

This is going to help me so much bro. Thank you so much for this. This will save me time, help me be more productive, and eventually over time make me so much money. The 12 minutes I spent watching this video will likely end up being the most productive & profitable 12 minutes I'll spend this year.

[@williamlogue]

Love this. I use multiple notebooks and planners day to day for work and life. I like being able to compartmentalizing as well. I’ve tried using other types of software but I still prefer the notebooks. I have a moleskin xl for a journal, an arc planner with tabs for work planning, one for life things, a lifeline notebook for day-to-day notes at work, a write in the rain pocket notebook for when I’m working in the field, etc. and I use a “mind journal” brand daily check in notepad to organize my thoughts and feeling for the day, and start my day with a rough outline of what I need to accomplish, things I’m grateful for, daily intentions, etc.

[@bo-banski2883]

as an artist and a musician, i’ve been carrying around a tiny notebook for a few months!! i just finished my first one and i’ve started another. i have to say, it has greatly enhanced my creativity and critical thinking! it’s not reserved for art and lyrics, but also thoughts and journal entries and lists. i’ve seriously recommended it to everyone i care about. it’s life changing!!

[@ParkerNotes]

Yes! This is great to hear from other walks of life. Thank you!

[@assordante2205]

Artist and musician? Just add "writer" in that, and you'd be the most unemployed mfer of all time.

[@bo-banski2883]

@@assordante2205 lmaooo yeah facts. it’s a hard life

[@AsmaNord]

I love the idea of a pocket notebook, I use it next to my bullet journal; I write the date of the day, my to do list and then I would fill the "to remember" part with Ideas that comes to my mind through out the day. At night I would take a look back to those ideas fillter them and schedule when I want to explore them) If you made it here, you are so lovely

[@ParkerNotes]

This is fantastic! Thank you

[@mergarydiolazo]

I love the emphasis on the fact that these notes are for YOU, not anyone else. As someone who struggles with trying to make everything “aesthetically pleasing” on the page, just writing stuff down without worry about the look is how I actually started writing more consistently in my journal. Thank you for sharing this, and sharing your thoughts! I’m excited to have a catchall notebook. I got too many ideas and they’re often forgotten or randomly written somewhere!! 😅😂

[@johnkerner2378]

I keep two notebooks with me at all times. One of them is the leuchtturm that you have shown here. The other one is a thin pocket notebook about the size of a fieldnotes notebook. I use the field notes notebook for to-do lists, quick notes, and anything I will NEED to recall at a later date. The leuchtturm, I use to capture thoughts. The things that race through my mind that I don't necessarily have the time to continue thinking about in the moment, but that I don't want to lose for not writing it down. More often than not, if I am sitting down to just write and reflect, I use the leuchtturm.

[@ParkerNotes]

Haha I'm actually doing the same now!

[@NexxuSix]

I have been using pocket notebooks for decades in the maintenance and technical industry. My co-workers look at me as a very old school person, especially in this digital age. Paper doesn’t fail under power outages, and granted, you might have to dig a little bit for the information, but it will always be there. I’ve heard several cases where notes that were taken and placed in these pocket notebooks have stood up in court as a record of maintenance in critical operations. Nice video!

[@chaseopsahl]

I've been keeping a Field Notes notebook on my person for the sole purpose of capturing quotations. From books I'm reading, or conversations I'm having, I want to capture quotations that stick out to me that I could use in my own writing or just think about them on my own. I also like having it handy because then I don't need to memorize every quote and I can pull it out and just read it. Too many times in my life where I've been grasping for a quote but have to resort to a poor summary of it rather than actually giving the full quote 😆 Absolutely great content as always!

[@ParkerNotes]

Yessss!!! This is one of my favorites. I call it my wisdom compendium. It's all wise sayings from all over and I want to pass it down to my grandkids. I'm so glad you're catching quotes. It's so valuable

[@folksurvival]

"...then I don't need to memorize every quote and I can pull it out and just read it. Too many times in my life where I've been grasping for a quote but have to resort to a poor summary of it rather than actually giving the full quote" Maybe part of the reason you struggle to recall them is because you rely on them being written down rather than memorized, if you get what I mean. Not necessarily the case but something to think about.

[@DustinNichols247]

I'm not going to lie, I paused the video to read what you wrote on January 29, 2023 because 'Lion of Judah' caught my eye. I also saw the Matthew 10:16 reference which is something I read yesterday during my devotions. Thank you for such an insightful video!

[@DannySabraArt]

I’ve really been enjoying Leutchturm 1917 notebooks over moleskine but the best so far that I’ve recently switched over to is an Art Creation sketchbook by Talens. The paper is exquisite for fountain pens and has more paper than either a L1917 or a Moleskine. The cover is also sturdier and the pocket version is about $8 which is a steal! The only drawback is that since it’s a sketchbook it’s unruled but I actually really like it. Would recommend trying it!

[@ParkerNotes]

Looking it up now! Thank you!! (And no thank you -my wallet)

[@DannySabraArt]

@@ParkerNotes haha. I think you’ll like it!

[@Pomegrante460]

Where could I find these 8 dollar pocket versions?

[@tracystoves]

www.amazon.com.au/Talens-Art-Creation-Sketchbook-White/dp/B077B5MZQK/ref=sr_1_27?crid=1UPBWLNVEABBF&keywords=art+creation+sketch+book&qid=1698709908&sprefix=Art+creation+sketch%2Caps%2C374&sr=8-27

[@powerballminep67]

I think the best advice is to record your thought immediately, wherever you are. The times I’ve turned my watch strap around to remember to research a thought and then arrived somewhere knowing there was something I was going to delve into but now I can’t remember what it was. Also the unique quality of a notebook is the capacity to sketch a thought or illustrate an idea. Paper and writing instruments are a tactile experience. The writing can vary with circumstances. I had girlfriend once, who’s handwriting was so tiny, it was barely readable without spectacles, it perfectly matched her quiet outward demeanour. Handwriting analysis, that’s another interesting subject to google. I’ll make a note of that.

[@hunterthompson5596]

As someone with a very active outdoor background and lifestyle I would agree. Its an amazing tool to save ideas, thoughts, questions, what have you that you will want to come back to. With that being said the leather bound is amazing but for anyone looking for a notebook thats tough write in the rain is awesome.

[@SethCarlson]

Great video - thanks! I have started using a Field Notes notebook loaded into a Mission Leather Co. Memo Wallet. So far (5 weeks), it’s great because I now carry my notebook as my wallet wherever I go, so I am constantly making notes, writing down thoughts, and journaling whenever I feel like I need to process something on the fly.

[@ParkerNotes]

That's the best! I need to check those out

[@rileeb848]

I just got my very first field notes pack tonight! I'm trying to figure out the difference for myself of commonplacing and his use of the pocket notebook. The first one, designated for prayer and reflecting on how God answered prayers or things I'm grateful to Him for. I'm thinking I may use the third one for commonplacing, but I'm not sure how this would differ from gathering quotes and injecting my own thoughts.

[@dianecaird1697]

I love this video ! I’ve been doing this for years but not as organized and dated as yours…. I am going to use your system now ! Thank you ! How fortunate you are doing this as such a young age !

[@ParkerNotes]

🙌🫡🤝

[@pulaststiwari]

bought a new pocket notebook after watching your short, and was eagerly waiting for this video. Great work appreciate it.

[@ParkerNotes]

Wow! That's awesome! Hope you like this vid too

[@soggysteve]

I do the same thing for years but not as organized. But the most important thing that you said is do not completely unload and forget about your notes. Great stuff!

[@ParkerNotes]

🙌🤝

[@spesn.n.1551]

Ive been journaling since a very young age and I remember that as a child I expressed that I perceived my notebooks as the outer storage of my brain. Basically like an external hard drive you got some incredible insight in something I've felt for years. struggle with keeping up traditional journaling since I went digital because it's far easier on the go for a student, but I've changed my mind. The information noise must be getting to us all I really liked your delivery, it's very soothing yet informative. You're a breath of fresh air on a platform that notoriously tries to divert our attention 💓 earned a like from me

[@WOCassity2]

I'm 51 and just started Journaling as part of learning Stoicism. I've used Daybook Journaling app to get into a habit. I like this idea for a pocket journal and I like your compartmental Journaling system.

[@thefulcrum]

Man, I remember when I was first introduced to stoicism, it felt like I had found the Operating System to life. And well done on getting into a daily journalling habit too. Writing about what you're reading is one of the stickiest ways to learn. Am so excited for you! :D

[@eliatoloza]

I really like seing your videos and how the recommendations are really just that! Not an obligation to buy or half the video, just another dot in the list. You have great ideas and also you express them very clearly! I usually have 3 types of notebooks: the external ones, the internal ones, and the "keeping" ones. The external ones are pocket sized, for to do lists or any kind of list or note that has something to do with the world and how I live in it. The internal ones are for thoughts, analyzing emotions, posivity and realizing stuff that's more internal (because it feels weird to have a page with "groceries" and the other one "about how I see friendship"). The keeping ones are the size of half a notebook (because they're cut notebooks) and every stuff that needs to be kept for a long time is there. Stories, drawings, knitting patterns, to be read, an entire list of my music, gmails, everything important is there.

[@ParkerNotes]

This is a really amazing way to categorize them!! Like genuinely, I love this. Thank you. I screenshotted your comment so I could think on it more. And thanks for the love too. Really great to have another kindred soul here!

[@Rany_Asmaro]

Thanks for sharing your system!!!! I bought my first pocket notebooks at the beginning of last month. I have a very small one that fits on the palm of your hand and another the same size as the notebooks on this video. I use my tiny notebook for reflecting on my own DREAMS! I call it my dream journal and I take it everywhere I go. I have written much on my ideal home, lifestyle, and other important notes on designing my life.

[@arthistorydaily]

I do this too from I was very young without even realizing it until I saw your video, the notebook collections are so satisfying looking back😉✨️

[@ParkerNotes]

100% agree

[@reallyrealraven]

This is recommended in an adult ADHD workbook I have and, before I fell out of the habit, this was onenof the best things I've ever done. Im glad I saw this because I seriously need to start up again

[@TylerMiller]

I think we are too hasty to try and make EVERYTHING as efficient as possible. Sometimes being less efficient is beneficial in other ways. Note taking for example, it's proven when writing putting your mind to pen and paper is better and helps you remember/flesh out the ideas more. Also like you mentioned, less distractions than having to put items on a phone or tablet. I just started journaling this year and am thinking about picking up a small notebook like this to carry with me throughout the day because I always find myself making notes in random places.

[@ParkerNotes]

Yeah you get it! 🙌

[@JeronimoStilton14]

Just going to point out I did my entire college degree using an apple pen and an ipad, sometimes it can be nice to have colors and I have always preferred digital, as I am very messy, things will get lost.

[@TylerMiller]

@@JeronimoStilton14 impressive! Honestly if I had an apple pen with my iPad when I was in school (and a better performing iPad haha) I probably would have done the same thing! I think the analog stuff for me at least is just for the more abstract process before it becomes a fully fleshed out idea or process - then maybe I make the jump to digital. Hard to say, I'm still trying to figure out the process that is best for me. I have a lot of ideas but sometimes get caught up in the fact I have the ideas vs acting on them.

[@JeronimoStilton14]

@@TylerMiller It goes a step further lol, I actually didnt get the ipad till nearly sophomore year (so a bit of a fib on the last comment) so for the first couple trimesters I did all my notes in microsoft word. So chemistry I relied on a deprecated plugin for generating bond structures, calculus notes were done in Latex in real time.

[@hubruh]

The idea of an “external mind” i feel was already synthesized into the “building a second brain” concept. Your video is recommended to me because of this concept. If you haven’t looked into this, it’s a great starting point to learn how your brain works. It helped me learn about how my brain compartmentalizes things, and because i understand that, I can find ways to tweak it and improve the way I learn and remember things.

[@Danksaus]

Wow i finnaly relised that all i needed in life is 20 pocket notebooks to carry with me! Thanks man, you saved my mind!

[@ParkerNotes]

😅

[@KrisHughes]

I started doing something like this, recently. I'm a writer and mythology teacher - I always have a lot to think about, and to work on. I've become very laptop-bound and wanted to get away from that. I'm not out and about that much - most of my thinking happens at home, where I work - so I went for a bigger format of A5-ish sized composition notebooks. I love the fact that they're very cheap, and feel less cramped than a pocket notebook - which I've tried in the past. I plan to put an index on the last page or two of each one so that I can really find things later. Your idea of leafing through the notebook often is a good one. I'm going to start doing more of that.

[@alexaislas961]

Haven't done one but something important I'll like to add is: REMEMBER YOUR IDEAS ARE JUST IDEAS. Don't let them shallow your opinions and the flexibility of your mind, let them come and grow and change, don't solidify them

[@versatileduplicity9313]

You could build on your ideas

[@JohnCockerill]

I've kept both the pocket and midsize notebooks for 30 years. In my midsize book was all my notes, thoughts, meetings etc. by date with a TOC at the front. At the back in date order from the back are my To Do's, Calls to Make, Shopping lists etc. When the two section meet, add the date from to to the front and spine and file. When I was in business, I'd go through between 4 or 5 a year. I still have them.

[@recoveringsoul755]

I'm old. I used Day-Timer planners from the mid '80s. I referred to them as my Backup Brain. I didn't need to memorize everything because i wrote it down when it was fresh in my mind. And not being online or a temporary device protects it from being lost, hacked, spied on. I can pull out a planner from 20 years ago and see exactly what i did on any given day. Also what i spent, and sometimes what i ate, weighed, exercised, felt, if it was a full moon or not, etc. You can't do that with a digital device I never need to upgrade my analog notes. There isn't a new version that prevents me access to earlier notes, no monthly fee. It baffles me how people want to create digital planners .. I even saved my wall calendar each year because it was part of the system. And i kept a journal to write in at the end of the day

[@ParkerNotes]

Analog all day!!

[@recoveringsoul755]

@@ParkerNotes I'm trying to return to analog calendar, and address/phone book. No reason Google needs to know my contacts. I use a standalone GPS in the car, not one attached to the Internet. Because the world doesn't need to know every time I move. Non Internet camera

[@douglasbrown2367]

i've been watching technically all your videos and i came to the conclusion, that you are truly a rare gem on youtube! keep up the good work!:)

[@HuntersOA]

The steal my attention part grabbed me. I have recently switched to a dumb phone and I had to get a moleskin calendar. Back at school and uni I used them a ton and in recent years we have switched to Google. But now that I want to reduce screen time and I want my toddler to see "us" and not see someone staring at a screen non stop, I have had to get used to notebooks again. But the little bugger got filled so quickly, that I had to get a dedicated notebook as well :'D Now I carry a tiny dumb phone, a calenadr and a small journal in my fanny pack everywhere and I could not be happier. Yesterday I sat down at work to have some time with my notes and it is just magical. Nothing, compared to smartphones. It was absolutely brilliant. I wrote down my ideas, plans, to do's. Called my wife and my mother quickly to ask for some input - jot them down. Lovely stuff! It has a tangible feeling to it that is not given to you when you use a PC / Laptop or smart phone. It is. Different and makes you think. Plus writing it down makes you remember it in a different way

[@caitlinok9022]

I started doing this when i first got my adhd diagnosis. I wanted to write every thought i had.. it was a little overwhelming but im going to try it again since i scribbled down a lot of cool art projects i otherwise would have forgotten!

[@muroihenwald3396]

Hello! I suggest you to try using pencil instead of a pen. And the reason for this is pretty simple, if your notebook will get wet it's much harder for pencil writings to disappear compared to ink. It was one of the things we were taught during our field practice. I can approve that ink is easy to wash off. If you find pencil writings too dim you can use softer pencil. If you don't want to sharpen the pencil, you can use mechanical pencils. Though I found that sharpening process helps with the mood and thoughts. To be honest, I tend to use pens more when I know I won't be anywhere where my notebook can get wet. Ink has it own benefits and appeal.

[@Zoomfreaky]

That is the reason I mostly use Platinum Carbon Black inks in my fountain pens (waterproof), De Atramentis document ink works very well also. But please don't put these inks in your expensive ones. If the ink dries, your pen is done...:) But pencils are nice too, you are right. But there is something very satisfying about inky black letters...:) And a balpen can stand a lot of wetness. Most of them anyway. Test test test..:) Thank you for reminding me, that sometimes there is a much simpler answer to a question...:)

[@mitchelpeace7097]

If you use a fountain pen, noodler's bullet proof inks are water proof and fade resistant

[@HelmutSchmacker]

I use an A7 notebook that fits nicely inside any pocket a mechanical pencil will also clip onto a shirt pocket ink pens usually run out at an inconvenient moment

[@copilu.8282]

Great advice!!

[@poetsgarden1]

I keep several sharp pencils around all the time... I just love the feel of the pencil to the page.

[@EPPICFAIL42]

Thank you for this, I have been journaling everyday since mid October and gives me a lot of clarity and put everything into perspective. I never ever plan on stopping 🙏🏻

[@MrRobot24]

I have recently started to use your method. I have a pocket notebook for capturing quotes, a moleskine for my commonplace book, and another moleskine for a finance commonplace. After your last video it encouraged me to compartmentalize, which I thought was a bad idea. But, it actually helps. I might incorporate a flash card system that allows me to boil things thing down to their essence (Ryan Holiday method).

[@ParkerNotes]

I'm looking into the zettlekasten note card system at the moment too!

[@Oscarito_us]

I keep 3 notebooks. 1 my pocket notebook, a field notes, dotted in a leather case my brother made for me. 2 my work notebook and 3 my personal journal. I like this system but over the years ive written in my personal less and less. I'm carving out the time to write again as it helps with my mental clarity. Thanks for sharing

[@Hnrye_]

ParkNotes is starting to convince me that I need a notebook

[@ParkerNotes]

Haha yesss

[@channel5014a]

I have gone through about four notebooks since starting my software development program, and it's really cool to see that other people do it as well. In a world where everything is stored on a phone, or a computer, or a tablet, amongst several other distractions, like you mentioned, it's a great idea to have all of your thoughts in a place where you can put them without distractions. I like that.

[@thefulcrum]

Totally feel you re: the distractions part! Just wondering, if you want to search for a particular entry, how do you go about doing that? Perhaps each notebook is for a particular time period? Or maybe that's not a use case that comes up for you? 🤔

[@the_grandest_galvatron1793]

Honestly, as someone who has always had a hard time processing information and my own thoughts, I think I’m gonna try this. Plus, I’m always thinking about DnD , and this would be great for remembering things on the fly

[@JacksonRiddle90]

This has finally convinced me to switch to analog bc i’ve struggled with digital systems for so long. This was a good perspective shift which i appreciate a lot, thank you!

[@ParkerNotes]

Let's go!! So glad to play a small roll for you

[@HelmutSchmacker]

Ditch that smartphone pal theyre evil

[@Vince-qh1bx]

How tf does YT know i have a pockt notebook

[@reading.ellexir]

Camera on your phone.

[@mikemolaro4198]

Bc you googled "where to buy a pocket notebook"

[@xsarchitect]

How the fuck do you not know the answer to that question?

[@BRAMBIN_MCSHAMBIN]

LMFAO

[@jsmxwll]

i stitch up individual signatures and keep two of them in my back pocket. the signatures are thin enough that i don't notice them when i sit on them. one signature is for notes and the other signature is a running index that will persist through several note signatures. as i fill each note signature, it gets put into queue to be reviewed. a review is a culling the completely useless and copying anything want to work on or save to other stores. i add a reference to the origin signature when i copy the information over so i have a sort of history as ideas move through mediums. when i have filled the index signature or i hit the end of the year, i'll cut the sitches and bind them into a volume to archive. i copy the volume index to my notes on my computer for easy searching and reference later if i ever need it. it sounds like a lot, but i find the process enjoyable and the results sufficient.

[@ScutarioPolimatico]

Hi Parker! Nice video! I'm from Brazil, and I actually maked my own notebooks in midori (traveler's notebook) style, where you have a cover and just change the three stacks of paper inside when they get full, storage then and keep going. The good thing about learn to make those types of notebooks is that you choose the size you want and can put different types of paper too Anyways, keep going it's a good channel and It's only the beggining

[@ParkerNotes]

Oh wow!! That sounds really cool and smart! Thanks for sharing 💪

[@Daiarthaine65]

I’m a big fan of the Traveler’s Company Passport for my pocket notebook.

[@raulfernando1089]

Our handwriting and note taking style is strikingly similar. I can read myself, but other people struggle with it. At first I thought I had to "improve" my handwriting in order to take better notes, but now I think I just have to do what it works for me, just like you do.

[@MARK-LUCIA]

I just stared carrying a Field Notebook this week. Great video and thanks for sharing your methodology

[@ParkerNotes]

Awesome! Hey next time you grab some Field Notes stuff use my promo code PARKERNOTES at check out and get yourself 10% off your whole order 💪💪

[@kalkvand]

I love the paper republic products. I've just got the voyageur xl which is great. You can choose between dotted paper, lines or just blank. Really good! Whenever you need more paper you just buy a few batches and fill it in.

[@ziggedr4y]

I moved from notebooks to index cards to catch thoughts. I still keep some subject notebooks to transfer important thoughts to later. For thought capturing I have a bunch of coloured index cards held together with a binder clip. Re organizing thoughts is easier and I can get some specialty cards (grids, blank, portrait lined) also old and or obsolete entries can be pulled and left at home in a box so I don't have to carry them with me anymore. Finally, if I'm writing something for someone else I can hand it over without ripping into a book.

[@TheFireMage100]

Great video and I love this idea, but I do have to say something completely off topic: That is one of the finest moustaches I have ever seen. Genuinely inspiring

[@ParkerNotes]

@@TheFireMage100 haha thank you!!!

[@bananajoe9951]

Did I see "Does God care if the cats win?" If so, this is the right video.

[@ParkerNotes]

Hahaha wow you have amazing eyes!!

[@pshandila]

I love philosophy and I found your channel like a month ago and I am in love with your channel . At first my thought are like an ocean of things floating around my mind or in my mind but when I start journaling and diary writing and pocket notebook I collect all those thought and I think I am a better person just by doing that . Tq Man

[@lacthetomato]

The museum curator hahahahha that thought always comes to me when I write. Great video!!!

[@ParkerNotes]

Haha I knew I wasn't alone! 👊

[@drewmorrison]

I got a pocket notebook wallet to fit Fields Notes sided notebooks and I have to say, it’s been great. Instead of scrolling on my phone during downtime, I read what I wrote in my pocket notebook. My mind feels more focused and in line with my values instead of letting the algorithm decide for me.

[@Flatability]

Some great concepts. Thanks for sharing. I have a similar "notebook always on hand" philosophy, but use all sorts of paper based capture devices - ring bound, disc bound, even just a bunch of cards kept together with a clip.

[@ParkerNotes]

I love it!

[@PlumTomato460]

I've been using notebooks for a couple months now, one as a diary, and another one for random thoughts that I have during the day. Both of them are big, not big notebooks, but book-sized more or less. Today I bought a small pocket notebook after watching your video yesterday, and I've already used it quite a bit. I love writing my stuff, I love feeling how my head empties every time I do it, and I love not relying on my phone as much!

[@ParkerNotes]

This is so cool!!

[@ParkerNotes]

Thanks for sharing this it's seriously encouraging

[@PlumTomato460]

@@ParkerNotes Im glad it is! ❤ Thank you for making videos on how using notebooks is genuinely cool and good for your brain; it actually also encourages me to keep using them. I’m addicted to my phone (still struggling), so using the notebooks is a genuine way to not go to it AGAIN.

[@mikewashere]

This was a great video. I’ve always felt like a weirdo too because I like analog better. Even though as an IT person who’s always around tech I feel like paper helps me focus. But I’ve always felt strange and the anxiety of shouldn’t you write in a computer keeps me from using my notebooks. Kind of weird note taking paralysis. This makes me feel better about wanted to use analog more.

[@AdrianDanielGuard]

3:25 "It doesn't matter if the museum curator 200 years from now understands it, that's their problem" - this is a statement i'm sure a lot of guys in history may have thought to themselves, and historians and archaeologists today frustrate as a consequence >)

[@kirkpetersjr]

9:12, i love that. As a math graduate student, i can appreciate this, and also its just like taking notes for a course, same principle. Study your ideas.

[@ParkerNotes]

Totally! So glad you can confirm

[@ho11z]

Omg! I’ve found my people! Lol. I have so many notebooks and journals etc and I’m always buying more for later. I love seeming how someone else organizes their thoughts and their books. I’m currently going through five full ones to extract the juicy bits and try to organize my thoughts by categories…glad to have found this channel 🥰

[@aleamilr]

I tend to think in a more narrative style so for that reason I carry a slightly larger notebook (an a6 STALOGY right now but sometimes a normal size moleskine) because sometimes it takes me a paragraph or two to get down what I’m trying to get down, and I move the more important, workable ideas directly into a digital commonplace I have set up in Google drive, but other than that our systems are very similar ♥️ Having a notebook on me at all times is a deeply ingrained habit that I can’t imagine not having now. I feel like I haven’t actually had a proper thought unless it’s written down lol

[@ParkerNotes]

Just looked up STALOGY. They look great! Is the paper good quality? I'm really thinking about it

[@aleamilr]

The paper is great! Very similar to tomoe River paper, but just slightly thicker. The paper is very thin and crinkly but holds ink really well.

[@jmsjms296]

I've used notebooks in a similar way since 2016 and I love my system! My notebooks are Moleskine Volant XS blanco black. Unfortunately, this color was deleted a few years ago, but I was lucky enough to find a remaining stock of 50 or so. Even though my current notebook goes with me everywhere, I use it mostly outside and sometimes intensely... I have a different system at home. Retrieving any entry, sketch etc. even years later is done within seconds. I combine my notebook with an Edding 1800 pen w/pigment ink (important: it's both of high quality and available everywhere in Europe). Great system: I never looked back and do NOT have to rely on a device that would hinder my "stream of consciousness".

[@absolu222]

Midori Traveller's Passport size is working great for me, also fit in the any back pocket, one insert for time management and one for journaling.

[@ParkerNotes]

Ooo thanks! I'll have to check them out!

[@BonLee-jh5pk]

I've kept a daily log since I was about 8 or so. At age 25 I was in a near fatal car accident complete with severe amnesia. These old logs were really important to help and restore, if not the memories, then "who" I was. Hard to explain. But, where I don't have the actual mems, I do have the "story" of who I am. When someone asks me something about my childhood, I can share what I learned from those logs and thus reduce my stress level immensely. I don't have to fear the "don't you remember when you..." question anymore. It is an invaluable source.

[@liddell2266]

damn man your mustach is hot as hell... btw, I never thought how useful a pocket notepack would be, great video

[@ParkerNotes]

Thank you!

[@kiya419]

This was so helpful.. Off-Load and Out-Mode. That is a fantastic way to identify the action.